To Smolyaniov,

In view of comrade Chicherin's detailed and formal protest against the sending of the attached telegram,106 I request that you organize an additional meeting composed of comrade Martens, a representative from the People's Commissariat of Labor who is informed on this question, and a representative from the People's Commissariat of Foreign Affairs, also informed on this question. Four people in total, including yourself.

I request that in this meeting you discuss Chicherin's objections and pay particular attention to the fact that the telegram requires bringing with one provisions for 2 years.

I think that if we add one more phrase pointing to the struggle with difficulties and hardships in Russia and to the unnecessary nature of people who are incapable of enduring these hardships, then the telegram can only be of benefit. I request that you send me the briefest written decision no later than tomorrow evening.

Lenin

Dictated by telephone
August 4, 1921

copies

First published in 1959

in Lenin Collection XXXVI

Reproduced from typescript